Wellcome to Vietnam! One of the most classic and exciting travel routes you will take is the journey from our historic, bustling capital of Hanoi to the charming, lantern-lit Ancient Town of Hoi An. This is a journey of approximately 800 km, and it’s very important to know that Hoi An does not have its own airport or a main train station. All paths to this magical town lead through the modern coastal city of Da Nang, which is our main transport hub, located just about 30 km away. This definitive guide will walk you through all the best ways to travel from Hanoi to Hoi An, focusing on what we know is most important to you: your time, your budget, and your comfort. Let’s find the perfect way for you to make this wonderful journey.
The fastest and most comfortable way from Ha Noi to Hoi An: Fly to Da Nang
For most travelers, especially families, seniors, or anyone with limited time, flying is without a doubt the fastest, safest, and most convenient choice. It turns a long, overland journey into a quick and easy trip, giving you more time to enjoy your destination. This is the option that prioritizes your speed and comfort above all else. Here are the details.
The flight details (From Hanoi to Da Nang)
You will be flying from Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Da Nang International Airport (DAD). This is a very popular and busy route, with multiple flights offered every single day by our top airlines, including the national carrier Vietnam Airlines, the popular budget airline VietJet Air, and the newer Bamboo Airways.
The direct flight time is incredibly short – only about 1 hour and 20 minutes in the air. The tickets are very affordable, typically ranging from $30 to $80 USD (which is around ₹2,500 to ₹6,700) for a one-way ticket.
Tip: To get the very best fares, we highly recommend you book your flight at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially if you are traveling during our peak tourist season (from October to April).
READ MORE: Your Essential Guide to International Airports in Vietnam for Indian Traveller
Transferring from Da Nang Airport (DAD) to Hoi An
Once you land in Da Nang, you have a final, short journey to reach Hoi An.
- Distance/Time: The distance is only about 30 km, and the drive is a pleasant 45–60 minutes.
- Transfer options (Focusing on your comfort):
- Private Car: This is the most comfortable, direct, and completely hassle-free option. When you pre-book a private car, your driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals gate, holding a sign with your name. The price is fixed, and you will be taken directly to the doorstep of your hotel in Hoi An. Vietnam Story offers seamless and reliable private transfer services to make this part of your journey effortless.
- Grab/Taxi: You will find many taxis and Grab cars (our version of Uber/Ola) available at the airport for a quick, on-demand trip to Hoi An.
- Airport Shuttle Bus: There are also shared shuttle bus services available, which are a more budget-friendly option that will take you to the general area of the Hoi An Ancient Town.
The scenic & classic route: Taking the overnight train to Da Nang
For those who love the romance of train travel and want to see the beautiful Vietnamese countryside, the overnight train is a wonderful and authentic experience. It’s a relaxing journey that offers scenic views, especially as you approach Da Nang and travel along the famous Hai Van Pass area. This is the choice for those who believe the journey is just as important as the destination. Here’s how it works.
The train details (from Hanoi to Da Nang)
This is an overnight journey, typically taking about 15 to 17 hours. You will depart from the historic Hanoi Railway Station and arrive at the Da Nang Railway Station. The train route from Hanoi to Da Nang mainly uses SE trains (Reunification Passenger Trains) such as SE2, SE4, SE6, SE8 and special train SE19. A ticket will cost between $25 to $70 USD (approximately ₹2,100 to ₹5,800), depending on the class you choose.
Recommended train classes for your overnight comfort
| Class type | Comfort level | Key feature | Best for |
| Soft sleeper (4-Berth Cabin) | High | This is my top recommendation for your comfort and privacy. The cabin has four fully cushioned beds, air conditioning, and a door that closes. | Families, groups of four, or couples who desire their own private space for the overnight journey. |
| Hard sleeper (6-Berth Cabin) | Moderate | This is the cheapest sleeper option. The cabin has six beds in three tiers and is a bit more cramped. | Budget-conscious solo travelers or groups who don’t mind sharing a space. |
Onward travel to Hoi An
Upon your morning arrival at the Da Nang Railway Station, you will need to take a final 1-hour road transfer to reach Hoi An. You can easily find a taxi or Grab car at the station, or, for complete peace of mind, you can pre-book a private car to be waiting for you.
The budget-friendly and direct route: The overnight sleeper bus
For my solo or budget-conscious travelers, the sleeper bus is the most cost-effective option. Its biggest advantage is that it is the only mode of transport that offers a direct drop-off right in Hoi An, which means you avoid the need for a separate transfer from Da Nang. This is the choice for those who want to save the most money and enjoy the convenience of a direct route.
The sleeper bus overview
This is another overnight journey, taking about 17 to 20 hours. Most sleeper buses will pick you up from a convenient location in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and will drop you off directly in Hoi An.
This is the cheapest option, with tickets starting from just $16 to $35 USD (approximately ₹1,300 to ₹2,900).
A special tip: Choose the VIP cabin buses for better comfort!
For just a small extra fee, we highly recommend you choose a VIP Cabin or Limousine Sleeping Bus. Instead of the traditional open-bunk layout, these buses have 20–24 individual private cabins, each with a curtain for privacy. They often include:
- Spacious, fully reclinable bunks.
- Private entertainment screens (LED/TV).
- USB charging ports and Wi-Fi.
- Tip for taller travelers: Always try to request a lower berth or cabin. They are easier to get into and generally offer a smoother ride.
Planning your journey and essential logistics
Here is a quick summary and some final tips to help you choose the perfect option. A smart plan is a key to a great journey. Let’s compare your options and review some essential tips.
Comparative travel summary
| Mode | Total travel time | Est. cost (per person) | Best for | Is it the fastest way? |
| Flight → Car | ≈ 3 to 4 hours | High (40 – 100+) | Speed, comfort, and families. | YES. |
| Overnight Train → Car | ≈ 16 to 18 hours | Moderate (35 – 85) | A scenic and authentic travel experience. | NO. |
| Overnight Sleeper Bus | ≈ 17 to 20 hours | Low (16 – 35) | Budget travel and the convenience of a direct drop-off. | NO. |
Essential booking and travel tips
- Book in advance: Always book your flights and your Soft Sleeper train cabins at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during the peak season. You can use reputable online platforms, or for a completely coordinated trip, you can book directly with Vietnam Story.
- Safety and packing: For any overnight journey, be sure to pack some snacks, water, and a good pair of earplugs and an eye mask. It is very important to keep all your valuables secure and on your person, especially on shared transport.
Upon arrival in Hoi An
- Local transportation: The beautiful Ancient Town of Hoi An is very walkable. For longer distances, taxis, Grab, or renting a local bicycle are all very common and easy.
- Accommodation zones: Most hotels are located either near the Ancient Town or out by the beautiful An Bang Beach. Be sure to coordinate your final drop-off location precisely with your driver.
READ MORE: Top 20 Things to Do in Hoi An for Indian Travelers
Essential FAQs for Indian travelers
- What is the fastest way to get from Hanoi to Hoi An? The fastest way is to take the flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, followed by a private car transfer to Hoi An. The total journey time is only about 3 to 4 hours.
- Are there direct flights from Hanoi to Hoi An? No. All flights land at Da Nang International Airport (DAD), which then requires a final road transfer to Hoi An.
- Is it better to fly or take a train/bus from Hanoi to Hoi An? Flying is much better for comfort and speed. The train or bus is better for those on a tight budget or those who want a more local, overland experience. We recommend the VIP Cabin bus as the best budget compromise.
Conclusion
For Indian families, planning a long-distance journey with children or elderly parents requires a focus on comfort, safety, and convenience. While the overland routes from Hanoi to Hoi An offer adventure, the clear and practical choice for a family is the quick and easy flight to Da Nang, followed by a pre-booked private car. This option minimizes travel time, eliminates the stress of multiple transfers, and guarantees a comfortable, door-to-door experience, allowing your family to start their Hoi An holiday feeling relaxed and happy.
Let Vietnam Story make your family’s journey completely worry-free. We handle all the logistics, from booking the best flight times to arranging a comfortable, family-sized vehicle to be waiting for you at the Da Nang airport. Get in touch with us to plan your trip, and discover just how easy and comfortable a family adventure to Central Vietnam can be.